Anti-state remarks: Arguments sought on ‘sedition’ plea

LAHORE: Lahore High Court on Monday sought more arguments on a petition seeking directions for the federal government to put the names of some Muttahida Qaumi Movement leaders on the Exit Control List (ECL). A citizen had filed the petition submitting that MQM leaders, including Farooq Sattar, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Khwaja Izharul Hassan, had arranged ceremonies where party chief Altaf Hussain would deliver anti-state speeches. He said they too were guilty of sedition. He said they might flee the country to avoid action against them. He requested the court to order that their names be put on the ECL. He said a treason case should also be lodged against them. The judge sought more arguments and adjourned the hearing until September 19.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 6^th, 2016.